The Rotary Club of Calgary Downtown sponsors a project entitled Educating African Youth in memory of the late Curly Galbraith, who was once an RI director and club member. Educating African Youth (EAY) supports Ugandan AIDS orphans and others living in poverty to pursue post-secondary studies.
 
The project was initially founded in 2011 by Curly’s widow Doris Galbraith and her family members as a memorial fund. Over the years, various district clubs and individual donors have contributed substantially to the project. So far, 45 young people have graduated and are gainfully employed, while another nine pursue post-secondary studies.
 
One young person employed can be the critical life-support to his or her entire family, and skilled people are needed in every endeavour. These young people will be leaders in education, health, farming, high tech, trades and management.
 
Rotarian Greg Stevenson chairs the project’s overseeing committee. The Calgary committee includes Rotarians Ann and Garth Toombs, David Bromwich, Brian Guichon, Craig Henderson and Diane Macdonald.
 
Initially, the EAY raised USD 120,000 to support forty students. While its initial objectives have been met, the memorial fund will continue subject to continued financial support.
 
Three years of university or trade school education in Uganda costs on average USD 3,000, including room and board.
 
Three Clubs are involved in supporting the project in Uganda. These are the Rotary Clubs of Kyotera, Kalisizo and Masaka in the southwestern part of the country. The leaders in Uganda are Rotarians Joe Mutajjululwa, the volunteer administrator, Francis Kyaluzi, and John Sekaggya. Each club appoints others to join the committee.
 
The Uganda committee receives recommendations from local schools and then selects the students. They mentor them and assist the graduates in finding employment or in starting businesses. They also encourage students to “pay forward” the support they have received by supporting other young people to further education and becoming members of Rotaract.
 
You can support EAY by making a donation to the Rotary Club of Calgary, noting that your donation is for EAY.
 
Cheques can be delivered or mailed to the Rotary Club of Calgary,
PO Box 34040 Westbrook PO, Calgary, AB T3C 3W2
 
Committee member David Bromwich administers the project while Tracy Nelson supports the project at the Calgary office.
 
Please visit the EAY website www.rotaryeducatingafricanyouth.org to learn the full story of EAY in memory of Curly Galbraith.
 
Updated April 7, 2021